Microsoft Slashes Win7 Prices for Students

Microsoft announced a new discount program on Thursday, one that would allow eligible students to get a $30 price on Windows 7 Home Premium (upgrade). There is also a mention of Windows 7 Professional, but it is unclear from the site what the price on that product would be. The program, announced via Twitter, is similar to other such student discount programs Microsoft has run in the past. It also follows an earlier, less generous pre-order campaign, where consumers could pre-order Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Home Professional upgrades for 50% off. That program ended on July 11th, however.

The program's website is here. Unless you want to spend an extra $13, the delivery of the software will be via download. Here's the eligibility information:

Promotion Eligibility: This offer is good only to eligible students who attend an educational institution geographically located in the United States. This offer is non-transferable. Only one product may be purchased per eligible student (but not required).

The following conditions serve to define student eligibility for the Promotion:

1. .edu: Individual must possess a valid e-mail address at a U.S. educational institution which contains the domain suffix .edu; OR Pre-Approved School List: Enrolled in a U.S. educational institution included on the pre-approved school list; OR Submission of school enrollment: Submit verifiable school enrollment via the validation process; AND

2. Individual must be a student at a U.S. educational institution and must be actively enrolled in at least 0.5 course credit and be able to provide proof of enrollment upon request.

Microsoft or Digital River may contact you to verify that you are a current student. If documentation is not provided indicating that you are a current student, you will be liable to reimburse Microsoft for the difference between what you paid and the estimated retail price of the software.

Microsoft, in their sole discretion, may accept other forms of validation to determine eligibility in lieu of a valid e-mail address when one is not available.

Program Description: Eligible students are allowed to purchase one license of the product below:

1. Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

OR

2. Microsoft Windows 7 Professional

The offer is live now for U.S. residents, and runs until January 3rd, 2010. Microsoft plans similar offers in Canada, Australia, Korea, Mexico, France, and Germany, though the prices will vary somewhat, and most of those countries will have to wait until Oct. 22nd for the promotion to go live. The U.K. will be able to pre-order on Sept. 22nd, though.